Types of Cancer
Caused by Toxins + Resources

Toxic chemicals found in women’s personal care products have been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer.
A woman, suffering from hair loss from chemotherapy, wears a scarf on her head and a maroon blouse while softly smiling at the camera.

Here are the top cancers potentially caused by exposure to these harmful chemicals:

Breast Cancer

Chemicals Linked to Breast Cancer:

  • Parabens: Used as preservatives in cosmetics, parabens can mimic estrogen in the body, which may disrupt hormonal balance and increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Phthalates: Common in fragrances and lotions, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that can also alter hormone levels, potentially leading to breast cancer.
  • Formaldehyde: Found in hair straightening treatments, nail products, and other cosmetics, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
  • Triclosan: A chemical often found in antibacterial soaps and deodorants, triclosan can interfere with thyroid hormone regulation, which has been linked to breast cancer.

How It Happens: These chemicals can accumulate in breast tissue and, over time, disrupt hormonal activity, potentially leading to the development of breast cancer.

Chemicals Linked to Ovarian Cancer:

  • Talc: Found in talcum powder and other body powders, talc has been associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially when used in the genital area. Some talc-based products may also contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.
  • Parabens: As with breast cancer, parabens can disrupt hormones and contribute to ovarian cancer development.

How It Happens: Talcum powder particles can travel through the reproductive system, potentially causing inflammation and increasing cancer risk. Parabens in cosmetics can lead to hormone disruption, which may increase ovarian cancer risk over time.

Chemicals Linked to Skin Cancer:

  • Formaldehyde: Found in hair products and some cosmetics, formaldehyde is a carcinogen linked to skin cancer.
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Present in some beauty and personal care products that contain coal tar (e.g., dandruff shampoos), PAHs are linked to skin cancer.
  • Oxybenzone: Common in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and has been associated with hormone disruption, which may contribute to skin cancer.

How It Happens: Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde, coal tar, and oxybenzone can increase the risk of skin cell mutations and melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

Chemicals Linked to Endometrial Cancer:

  • Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in some cosmetics and packaging materials, BPA is a synthetic estrogen known to cause hormone disruption and has been linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer.
  • Parabens: Again, parabens, which are commonly used as preservatives in personal care products, can mimic estrogen in the body and affect the uterine lining, increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.

How It Happens: BPA and parabens may increase estrogen levels in the body, leading to abnormal cell growth in the uterus, which may result in endometrial cancer.

Chemicals Linked to Leukemia and Lymphoma:

  • Formaldehyde: Exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to an increased risk of blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
  • P-Phenylenediamine (PPD): A common ingredient in hair dyes, PPD has been associated with a higher risk of blood cancers, particularly leukemia.
  • Benzene: Found in some aerosol sprays and nail polishes, benzene is a known carcinogen that increases the risk of leukemia and other blood-related cancers.

How It Happens: Long-term exposure to formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals, like PPD and benzene, can damage the DNA in blood cells, increasing the likelihood of leukemia or lymphoma.

The harmful chemicals present in many everyday personal care products, such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, talc, and BPA, are linked to various types of cancer. Women, who are often exposed to these products daily, may face an increased risk of cancers such as breast, ovarian, skin, endometrial, and blood cancers. Choosing safer, non-toxic products and supporting advocacy efforts for stronger regulations in the personal care industry can help reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.

*Disclaimer: These are our findings and information to be helpful for our community. We 100% always recommend consulting with your physician for regular screenings and regarding any concerns or questions you may have.*

These resources provide valuable information, support, and advocacy for women impacted by cancers linked to toxic chemicals in everyday care products. Whether you are seeking emotional support, treatment options, or safer alternatives, these organizations are here to help guide you on your journey toward better health and a safer environment.

Support and Information Resources

American Cancer Society (ACS)

  • Website: www.cancer.org
  • What They Offer: The ACS provides extensive information on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. They also offer support groups, financial assistance, and patient navigation services for women affected by cancer.

Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP)

  • Website: www.bcpp.org
  • What They Offer: BCPP advocates for safer beauty products and provides resources for women on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. They also provide educational materials and a list of safer alternatives for personal care products.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)

  • Website: www.ovarian.org
  • What They Offer: NOCC offers resources for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, including information on treatment, prevention, and living with ovarian cancer. They also provide emotional support through peer connections and support groups.

Skin Cancer Foundation

  • Website: www.skincancer.org
  • What They Offer: This foundation provides vital information on skin cancer prevention, including the importance of protecting your skin from harmful chemicals in beauty products and the sun. They also offer educational materials, skin checks, and ways to get involved in skin cancer research and advocacy.

Cancer Support Community (CSC)

  • Website: www.cancersupportcommunity.org
  • What They Offer: CSC provides free support for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones, offering counseling services, support groups, and educational workshops. They focus on empowering individuals to take control of their emotional and physical well-being throughout their cancer journey.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • Website: www.cancer.gov
  • What They Offer: NCI provides comprehensive resources on cancer research, prevention, treatment options, and clinical trials. They also offer educational resources for women seeking to learn more about the connections between chemical exposure and cancer risk.

Toxic-Free Future

  • Website: www.toxicfreefuture.org
  • What They Offer: NCI provides comprehensive resources on cancer research, prevention, treatment options, and clinical trials. They also offer educational resources for women seeking to learn more about the connections between chemical exposure and cancer risk.

Cancer Care

  • Website: www.cancercare.org
  • What They Offer: NCI provides comprehensive resources on cancer research, prevention, treatment options, and clinical trials. They also offer educational resources for women seeking to learn more about the connections between chemical exposure and cancer risk.

Other Cancer Related Resources:

CancerBuddy App:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cancerbuddy/id1610149676

Cancer Advocacy and Legislation Resources

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

  • Website: www.ewg.org
  • What They Offer: EWG provides research on the safety of personal care products and campaigns for stronger regulations to protect consumers from toxic chemicals. Their Skin Deep Database allows you to search for products by name to assess their safety.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

  • Website: www.safecosmetics.org
  • What They Offer: This campaign works to protect consumers from harmful chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products, advocating for stronger government regulations and safer product formulations.

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